Johnny Pesky Dies Aged 92; Baseball Legend Mourned by Red Sox Fans
Johnny Pesky has died aged 92 on Monday. The Boston Red Sox baseball legend passed away at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers, according to Solimine, Landergan and Richardson funeral home in Lynn.
A cause of death has not yet been announced, but the announcement has sparked a wave of condolences from Red Sox and baseball fans across the country.
Pesky made an appearance at Fenway Park on April 20 for the Red Sox's 100th anniversary of the ballpark. At that ceremony the baseball star was moved to tears as the emotional event took place.
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Pesky was a .307 hitter, and has fulfilled roles as a player, manager, broadcaster, and was an unofficial goodwill ambassador for the Red Sox, according to the Associated Press.
The MLB star is held in such high regard by the Red Sox that they have named the right field foul pole after him to make him a permanent park of Fenway Park. The right field foul pole is now affectionately referred to as the "Pesky Pole."
Pesky first signed with the Red Sox in 1939 after a scout had convinced his father and mother that the team was the right one for their son. His parents were immigrants to the Unites States from Croatia, and did not fully understand baseball, but opted for the Red Sox for their son. Pesky went on to play two years in the minor leagues with the Red Sox before making his major league debut in 1942.
In his debut season he set a team record for hits by a rookie with 205. He also hit .331 in his rookie year.
He joined the navy for three years during World War II, but was back with the Red Sox following that.
Pesky's wife Ruth passed away in 2005 after 61 years of marriage. He is survived by his son, David.
